Ergonomic handle for a tool

ABSTRACT

An ergonomic handle for a manually applied tool is provided. The handle includes at least one concave or convex grip lengths, and preferably two curved grip lengths. The curved grip lengths reduce slippage of a user&#39;s hands along the elongate shaft and provide opportunities to adjust the user&#39;s hands and thereby reduce the incidence of repetitive stress damage. The grip lengths are spaced closer to a shovel blade or a pitch fork fixture, and further away from a hoe blade or a rake head head. The user may thus stand more upright when raking or hoeing and conversely apply more physical power when shoveling or forking material. The grip lengths may be retrofittable onto handles having an elongated shaft. The ergonomic handle may be detachabley attachable to tool fixtures.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the design of handles for manual tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to providing an ergonomic handle for manually applied tools

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The effects of repetitive stress syndrome has disabled or impaired many users of manually applied tools. Yet manual tools presenting handles for manual control are widely used. Prior art tool handles for manual tools are generally inexpensive to manufacture and obvious to use, but seldom ergonomically well designed. In addition, material science increasingly provides many varieties of substances and methods to enable the production ergonomically designed handles. The potential for medical cost savings would be tremendous for more ergonomic handle designs.

There is, therefore, a long felt need for a handle that more ergonomically provides a means to manually apply a tool with reduced incidence of injury to the user.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an ergonomic handle for a manual tool.

It is an additional optional object of the present invention to provide an ergonomic handle having an elongate shaft and concave and/or convex grip lengths.

It is a further optional object of certain preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide an ergonomic tool made of metal, wood, plastic or composite materials.

It is another optional object of certain alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide an ergonomic grip that may be retrofitted unto a handle having an elongate shaft.

It is yet another optional object of certain still alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide an ergonomic handle that is detachabley attachable to a tool fixture, such as a shovel blade, a pitch fork, a rake head, a hoe blade, or other suitable tool or part of a tool known in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects will be apparent in light of the prior art and this disclosure. A first preferred embodiment of the present invention, or first handle, includes an elongate shaft having a first concave section for use by a user in gripping the shaft. The first concave section, or first concave grip length, of the elongate shaft may be substantially circular, ellipsoidal, or concave in shape. The curve of the first concave grip length offers the user options in selecting how to orient a hand along the curve of the first concave grip length, whereby a user may adjust the position of his or her hand in gripping the handle in order to compensate for a weakness, tenderness, or injury of the hand. Additionally the curve of the first concave grip length allows the user to vary the position of the hand in relation to the handle and the user's wrist and arm over time, so as to reduce the occurrence of repetitive motions in manipulating the handle. This opportunity to use the handle for extended periods of time or sessions while varying the exact angle at which the user's hand grips the handle allows for a reduction in repetitive stress injuries.

In various alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention the elongate shaft may be from four inches to six feet in length, and the length of the first concave grip length may be from four inches to over a foot in length. It is understood that the length of the first concave grip length is measured as the arc length of a curved axis passing through the center of the first concave grip length. Certain alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a second, third or additional grip lengths located within the elongate shaft. The grip lengths may be approximately concave or approximately convex, in relation to an arc passing through the substantially linear portions of the elongate shaft.

Certain still alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention include a detachable attachment fixture for use in removabley affixing shovel blades, pitch forks, hoe blades or rake heads to the elongate shaft.

Certain yet alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention include a placement of the grip lengths to ease back strain, where the grip lengths are located from one foot to four feet apart and along or within an elongate shaft having a total length of from two feet to over eight feet.

Certain other alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise retrofittable grips that may be attached to an elongate shaft and provide curved lengths for use as grips in manipulating the elongate shaft.

Certain still other alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention include detachably attachable grips, whereby the attachable grips may be attached to an elongate shaft and provide curved lengths for use as grips in manipulating the elongate shaft. These attachable grips may be removed and used within another suitable elongate shaft at the user's discretion.

Certain yet other preferred embodiments of the present invention are comprised, in part, in totality, or in combination, of wood, plastic, metal or composite materials, or other suitable materials. The shaft may be solid in construction or at least partially hollow. The elongate shaft and the grip lengths may share an approximately constant cross-sectional shape, the cross-sectional shape being substantially circular and having a radius of from approximately one quarter inch or less to approximately two inches or more. The cross-sectional shape may be positioned normal to an A axis of the elongate shaft, where the A axis passes approximately substantially centrally through one or more linear portions of the elongate shaft.

The first handle, or first ergonomic handle, maybe attached to a fixture and includes an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft extends substantively longitudinally along an A axis and has an ergonomic concave grip length and a fixture end. The fixture end is configured for attachment with a fixture, such as a shovel blade, a rake head, a pitchfork, a hoe blade, and/or one or more suitable tools or portions of tools known in the art. The ergonomic concave grip length presents a continuously-curved concave shape, where the concave shape is oriented substantively relative to a grip center point of the A axis, and the ergonomic concave grip length shaped to fit within a six inch radius from the grip center point. The ergonomic concave grip length may alternately be shaped to fit within a three inch radius from the grip center point.

The first ergonomic handle may further optionally include a second ergonomic grip length shaft, the second ergonomic grip length located along the elongated shaft and between the ergonomic grip length and the fixture end.

A second preferred embodiment of the present invention, or second version, may include one or more ergonomic convex grip lengths, wherein each convex grip length presents a continuously-curved convex shape, and the convex shape is oriented substantively concave relative to a spatial grip center point, the spatial grip center point located along an N axis and approximately six inches from the A axis, the N axis substantively normal to the A axis, and the convex grip length shaped to fit within a six inch radius from the spatial grip center point. In various alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention the elongate shaft may include one or more concave grip lengths in combination with one or more convex grip lengths.

A third preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an ergonomic grip, the ergonomic grip designed for attachment to the elongated shaft. The grip may include a continuously-curved concave length, the concave length shaped to fit within a six inch radius from a spatial grip point, and an attachment feature. The attachment feature may be configured to attach the ergonomic grip to the elongated shaft in an orientation wherein the spatial grip point is approximately located on the A axis. The ergonomic grip further include a second attachment feature, the second attachment feature for attaching the ergonomic grip to the elongated handle and providing improved stability to the ergonomic handle relative to the elongated shaft. The ergonomic grip of may optionally be detachably attached to the elongated handle.

Certain alternate preferred embodiments of the ergonomic grip present a convex shape relative to the elongate shaft when the grip is attached to the elongate shaft.

It is understood the terms concave and concave shape are defined herein to be a curved shape that is approximately or substantially along an arc length of a circle, a concave curve, an ellipse, or another suitable curved shape known in the art. It is understood the terms convex and convex shape are defined herein to be a curved shape that is approximately or substantially along an arc length of a circle, a concave curve, a convex curve, an ellipse, or another suitable curved shape known in the art.

Other aspects of the present invention include a method, system and a computer-readable medium configured to carry out the foregoing steps. The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These, and further features of the invention, may be better understood with reference to the accompanying specification and drawings depicting the preferred embodiment, in which: These, and further features of the invention, may be better understood with reference to the accompanying specification and drawings depicting the preferred embodiment, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention having an elongate shaft and two concave grip lengths (“grips”);

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention having an elongate shaft and two convex grips;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 having an elongate shaft and two concave grips, the grips located to ease back strain;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are illustrations of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 with a shovel blade, a pitchfork, a hoe blade and a rake head; and

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a concave grip designed for retrofit and attachment to an elongate shaft;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a convex grip designed for retrofit and attachment to an elongate shaft;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a fixture end of the elongate shaft of FIG. 1 adapted for removable attachment of a tool or a tool part, such as a shovel blade, a pitchfork, a hoe blade, or a rake head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In describing the preferred embodiments, certain terminology will be utilized for the sake of clarity. Such terminology is intended to encompass the recited embodiment, as well as all technical equivalents, which operate in a similar manner for a similar purpose to achieve a similar result.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, or first handle 2, having an elongate shaft 4. The elongate shaft 4 is linear in general and includes a first concave grip length 6 and a second optional grip length 8. The elongate shaft 4 has linear sections 10 having a substantially circular cross section normal to an A axis. The substantially circular section is shaped within a radius of approximately one half inch. The A axis passes through the center points of the linear sections 10 of the elongate shaft 4.

The first concave grip length 6 may be substantially circular, ellipsoidal, or concave in shape. The curve 12 of the first concave grip length 6 offers the user options in selecting how to orient a hand along the curve 12 of the first concave grip length 6, whereby a user may adjust the position of his or her hand in gripping the elongate shaft 4 in order to compensate for a weakness, tenderness, or injury of the hand. Additionally the curve 12 of the first concave grip length 6 allows the user to vary the position of the hand in relation to the handle and the user's wrist and arm over time, so as to reduce the occurrence of repetitive motions in manipulating the handle 2. This opportunity to use the handle 2 for extended periods of time or sessions while varying the exact angle at which the user's hand grips the first handle 2 allows for a reduction in repetitive stress injuries.

The second optional concave grip length 8 may be substantially circular, ellipsoidal, or concave in shape. A curve 14 of the second optional concave grip length 8 also offers the user options in selecting how to orient a hand along the curve 14 of the second optional concave grip length 8, whereby a user may adjust the position of his or her hand in gripping the elongate shaft 4 in order to compensate for a weakness, tenderness, or injury of the hand. Additionally the curve 14 of the second optional concave grip length 8 allows the user to vary the position of the hand in relation to the handle and the user's wrist and arm over time, so as to further reduce the occurrence of repetitive motions in manipulating the handle 2. This additional opportunity to use the to varying the exact angle at which the user's hand grips the first handle 2 allows for a reduction in repetitive stress injuries.

The elongate shaft 4 may be from four inches to six feet in length, and the length of the first concave grip length 6 and the second concave grip length 8 may be from four inches to over a foot in length. It is understood that the length of the first and second concave grip lengths 6 & 8 are measured as the arc length of a curved axis passing respectively through the center of the first concave grip length 6 and the second concave grip length 8. The first concave grip length 6 and the second concave grip length 8 may be spaced from one foot apart from a central spatial point 16 of each concave grip length 6 & 8.

The first handle 2 may be comprised, in part, in totality, or in combination, of wood, plastic, metal or composite materials, or other suitable materials known in the art. The elongate shaft 4 may be solid in construction or at least partially hollow. The elongate shaft 4 and the grip lengths 6 & 8 may share an approximately constant cross-sectional shape, the cross-sectional shape being substantially circular. Variations of the first handle 2 have a radius of from approximately one quarter inch or less to approximately two inches or more.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is an illustration of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, or second handle 18, having an elongate shaft 4, a first convex grip length 20 and a second convex grip length 22. Each convex grip length 20 & 22 presents a continuously-curved convex shape, and the convex shape of each grip length 20 & 22 is oriented substantively concave relative to a respective spatial grip center point 24. The spatial grip center point 24 is located along an N axis and approximately six inches from the A axis. Each N axis is substantively normal to the A axis, and each convex grip length 20 & 22 is shaped to fit within a six inch radius from the respective spatial grip center point 24. In certain variations of the second handle 18 the elongate shaft 4 may include one or more concave grip lengths 6 & 8 in combination with one or more convex grip lengths 20 & 22.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is an illustration of a variation of the first handle 2 of FIG. I wherein the elongate shaft 4 has a length of greater than four feet and the two concave grip lengths 6 & 8 are on the elongate shaft 4 located to ease back strain of the user.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are illustrations of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 with a shovel blade 26, a pitchfork 28, a hoe blade 30 and a rake head 32.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is an illustration of an ergonomic concave grip 34 designed for retrofit and attachment to an elongate shaft 36. The ergonomic concave grip 34 includes a continuously-curved concave length 38 and an attachment feature 40. The concave length 38 is shaped to fit within a six inch radius from a spatial grip point 42. The attachment feature 40 is configured to attach the concave grip 34 to the elongated shaft 36 in an orientation wherein the spatial grip point 42 is approximately located on an AA axis of the elongate shaft 36. The attachment feature 40 includes a U-shaped element 44 sized and shaped to fit substantially about three orthogonal sides of the elongate shaft 36. A threaded bolt 46 of the attachment feature 40 engages and extends through a threaded receiver 48 of the U-shaped element 44. A bolt end 50 of the threaded bolt 46 presses against the elongate shaft 36 and drives the elongate shaft 36 against a surface 54 of the U-shaped element 44. The elongate shaft 36 is thereby gripped securely by the attachment feature 40 and the ergonomic concave grip 34 provides a securely attached and retrofitted ergonomic curve handle for the elongate shaft 36.

The ergonomic concave grip 34 further may include a second attachment feature 56. The second attachment feature 56 additionally attaches the ergonomic concave grip 34 to the elongated shaft 36 and provides improved stability to the ergonomic concave grip 34 relative to the elongated shaft 36. The second attachment feature 56 includes a second U-shaped element 58 sized and shaped to fit substantially about three orthogonal sides of the elongate shaft 36. A second threaded bolt 60 of the second attachment feature 56 engages and extends through a second threaded receiver 62 of the second U-shaped element 58. A second bolt end 64 of the second threaded bolt 60 presses against the elongate shaft 36 and drives the elongate shaft 36 against a second surface 66 of the second U-shaped element 58. The elongate shaft 36 is thereby gripped securely by the second attachment feature 56 and the ergonomic concave grip 34 provides a securely attached and retrofitted ergonomic curve handle for the elongate shaft 36.

The ergonomic concave grip 34 may be detached from the shaft 36 by withdrawing the threaded bolts 46 and 60 respectively through the threaded receivers 48 and 62 and away from the elongated shaft 36. The relaxation of the pressure placed by the threaded bolts 46 and 60 against the elongated shaft 36 results in a detachment of the attachment features 34 and 56 from the shaft 36, whereby the ergonomic concave grip 34 may be detached from the elongated shaft 36.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is an illustration of a convex grip 68 designed for retrofit and attachment to an elongate shaft 36. The ergonomic convex grip 34 includes a continuously-curved convex length 70 and the attachment feature 40 and the second attachment feature 56. The convex grip 68 may be detachably attached to the elongate shaft by means of the attachment feature 40 and the second attachment feature 56 as described in the preceding discussion of FIG. 5.

The attachment features 40 and 56 are configured to attach the ergonomic convex grip 68 to the elongated shaft 36 in an orientation wherein the spatial grip point 42 is positioned approximately located on an N axis normal to the A axis and approximately six inches distance from the A axis.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is an illustration of a fixture end 72 of the elongate shaft 4 of FIG. 1 adapted for removable attachment of a tool 74 or a tool part, such as a shovel blade, a pitchfork, a hoe blade, or a rake head. The fixture end comprises a thread 76 that is sized and fitted engage with a threaded receiver 78 of the tool 74, whereby the fixture end 72 may be screwed into and out of the threaded receiver to alternatively attach and detach the tool 74 from elongate shaft 4.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Other suitable fabrication, manufacturing, assembly, wire bonding and test techniques and methods known in the art can be applied in numerous specific modalities by one skilled in the art and in light of the description of the present invention described herein. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein. The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the knowledge of one skilled in the art and in light of the disclosures presented above. 

1. An ergonomic handle, the ergonomic handle attached to a fixture, the handle comprising: an elongated shaft, the elongated shaft extending substantively longitudinally along an A axis, the shaft having an ergonomic grip length and a fixture end; the fixture end configured for attachment with the fixture; and the ergonomic grip length having a continuously-curved concave shape, the concave shape oriented substantively relative to a grip center point of the A axis, and the ergonomic grip length shaped to fit within a six inch radius from the grip center point.
 2. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the ergonomic handle further comprises a second ergonomic grip length shaft, the second ergonomic grip length located along the elongated shaft and between the ergonomic grip length and the fixture end, and the second ergonomic grip length having a continuously-curved concave shape, the concave shape of the second ergonomic grip length oriented substantively relative to a second grip center point of the A axis, and the second ergonomic grip length shaped to fit within a six inch radius from the second grip center point.
 3. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the ergonomic grip length is shaped to fit within a three inch radius from the grip center point.
 4. The ergonomic handle of claim 3, wherein the ergonomic handle further comprises a second ergonomic grip length shaft, the second ergonomic grip length located along the elongated shaft and between the ergonomic grip length and the fixture end, and the second ergonomic grip length having a continuously-curved concave shape, the concave shape of the second ergonomic grip length oriented substantively relative to a second grip center point of the A axis, and the second ergonomic grip length shaped to fit within a three inch radius from the second grip center point.
 5. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the grip center point is located within one foot of the fixture end.
 6. The ergonomic handle of claim 1 wherein the grip center point is located approximately more than one foot from the fixture end and approximately less than four feet from the fixture end.
 7. The ergonomic handle of claim 1 wherein the grip center point is located approximately more than four feet from the fixture end and approximately less than six feet from the fixture end.
 8. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the fixture end is detachably attached to the fixture.
 9. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the fixture is a shovel blade.
 10. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the fixture is a pitchfork.
 11. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the fixture is a rake head.
 12. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the fixture is a hoe blade.
 13. An ergonomic handle, the ergonomic handle attached to a fixture, the handle comprising: an elongated shaft, the elongated shaft extending substantively longitudinally along an A axis, the shaft having an ergonomic grip length and a fixture end; the fixture end configured for attachment with the fixture; and the ergonomic grip length having a continuously-curved convex shape, the convex shape oriented substantively as a concave shape relative to a spatial grip center point, the spatial grip center point located along an N axis and approximately six inches from the A axis, the N axis substantively normal to the A axis, and the ergonomic grip length shaped to fit within a six inch radius from the spatial grip center point.
 14. The ergonomic handle of claim 13, wherein the ergonomic grip length is shaped to fit within a three inch radius from the spatial grip center point.
 15. The ergonomic handle of claim 13, wherein the fixture is a shovel blade.
 16. The ergonomic handle of claim 13, wherein the fixture is a pitchfork.
 17. The ergonomic handle of claim 13, wherein the fixture is a rake head.
 18. The ergonomic handle of claim 13, wherein the fixture is a hoe blade.
 19. An ergonomic grip, the ergonomic grip for attachment to an elongated shaft, the elongated shaft extending substantively longitudinally along an A axis, the grip comprising: a continuously-curved concave length, the concave length shaped to fit within a six inch radius from a spatial grip point; and an attachment feature, the attachment feature configured to attach the ergonomic grip to the elongated shaft in an orientation wherein the spatial grip point is approximately located on the A axis.
 20. The ergonomic grip of claim 19, wherein the ergonomic grip further comprises a second attachment feature, the second attachment feature for attaching the ergonomic grip to the elongated shaft and providing improved stability to the ergonomic handle relative to the elongated shaft.
 21. The ergonomic grip of claim 19, wherein the ergonomic grip is detachably attached to the elongated shaft.
 22. An ergonomic grip, the ergonomic grip for attachment to an elongated shaft, the elongated shaft extending substantively longitudinally along an A axis, the grip comprising: a continuously-curved convex length, the convex length shaped to fit within a six inch radius from a spatial grip point; and an attachment feature, the attachment feature configured to attach the ergonomic grip to the elongated shaft in an orientation wherein the spatial grip point is approximately located on an N axis normal to the A axis and approximately six inches distance from the A axis.
 23. The ergonomic grip of claim 22, wherein the ergonomic grip further comprises a second attachment feature, the second attachment feature for attaching the ergonomic grip to the elongated handle and providing improved stability to the ergonomic handle relative to the elongated shaft.
 24. The ergonomic grip of claim 22, wherein the ergonomic grip is detachably attached to the elongated shaft. 